Every city has holiday events and customs that make the season their own. And while traditions like Jingle Rails at the Eiteljorg Museum or the Yuletide Celebration from the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra are here to stay, that doesn’t mean they can’t stay fresh.

Here are the new and special parts of our favorite classic events this season.

Why it’s a classic: This Indy tradition lets you step back in time to see a vision of Christmas without the plastic Santas and iPhones under the tree. This historic mansion on the IMA grounds was once the home of J.K. Lilly Jr., whose name you may have seen around town. The home is decorated with refined 1930s splendor every holiday season.

What’s new: Christmas at Lilly House marks the end of 2013’s celebration of the 100th anniversary of the beautifully kept Oldfields estate.

Why it’s a classic: When it’s too cold to play outside without a jacket, the Children’s Museum creates an indoor, interactive play place with an indoor “pond” for skating in socks, a Snow Castle, “ice” fishing and holiday snacks. At 9:15 a.m. Nov. 29, Santa will arrive at the Museum in a Dallara IndyCar. Rudolph couldn’t be reached for comment.

What’s new: Get a head start on that sock skating this year; Jolly Days opened a week earlier than last year.

Why it’s a classic: Miniature trains capture our imagination like nothing else, and the epic-scale construction of Eiteljorg’s annual Jingle Rails is the premiere tiny winter wonderland. The landscape includes local landmarks like the Indiana State Fair Ferris wheel, Lucas Oil Stadium and Monument Circle, as well as scenes from the American West — Mt. Rushmore, the Grand Canyon and more.

Why it’s a classic: Back in 1967, the Indianapolis Zoo was the first in the country to host a special nighttime event for Christmas, and more than four decades it’s been one of the brightest. See Indy’s favorite animals under the glow of serious lights displays, and then check out the special dolphin shows, guest zookeeper Santa and more.

What’s new: All of the zoo’s holiday lights are 100-percent LED efficient, so you can have fun without worrying about the energy drain.

Why it’s a classic: The holiday season truly starts in Indy when the Soldiers and Sailors Monument lights up the night in front of 100,000 Hoosiers. Sandi Patty and the von Trapp Family singers will perform before the switch is flipped and almost 5,000 colored lights will cause 100,000 ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs.’

What’s new: Last year closed out 50 years of this Indy classic. The first year of the next 50 promises to be the biggest yet.

Why it’s a classic: Every year, the already-beautiful Conservatory gets a holiday makeover with colorful poinsettias and a model train village. And from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 14, Santa will show up with his elves to make toys with the girls and boys.

What’s new: The model trains are constructed with a new layout every year. As Conservatory Crossing is co-created by the Indiana Rail Road Company, we’d expect nothing less.

Why it’s a classic: There’s a bit of everything at this annual holiday celebration, but it’s the only gig in town where Santa will show up in a chopper (1 p.m. Nov. 29)

What’s new: Don’t get jealous of Santa’s sweet ride. This year, remote-control helicopters will be flying all over Frank O’Bannon Great Hall, as the Academy of Model Aeronautics shows off these miniatures and paper-folded helicopters.

Why it’s a classic: With a place in the pantheon of long-lived Christmas performance traditions alongside “A Christmas Carol,” “The Nutcracker” is a legend. This is Butler Ballet’s 29th year dancing to the classic Tchaikovsky score.

What’s new: The season! This show marks the opening of Butler Ballet’s 2013-14 season.

Why it’s a classic: Along with the usual strings, tap-dancing Santas take the stage with Sandi Patty, Jack Everly and a crew of Broadway singers and dancers. The von Trapp Family Singers will be on tap for “The Sound of Music” songs; don’t be afraid to sing along.

What’s new: This year’s show will feature a medley of Motown hits as glowing Christmas renditions.

Why it’s a classic: Since 1993, TSO has been responsible for uniting — finally — Christmas and progressive rock. That means you get holiday cheer filtered through guitar-shredded versions of Beethoven, lightning-fast Christmas songs and on-stage pyrotechnics and lasers.

What’s new: For the first time in years, you can actually say, “Better see TSO before they’re gone.” The band is retiring its time-tested “The Lost Christmas Eve” after this winter tour.